University of St Thomas Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Mirella from Burnsville, MN

07/31/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 out of 14 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

-Students who want a medium sized school -Students who love the feel of a community -Students who like seeing familiar faces everyday -Students who don't want a huge intimidating campus

Tips for prospective students

Get as involved as you possibly can! Meet new people and don't be afraid to put yourself out there the first couple weeks. Everyone is going through the same adjustments as you are.

Am enjoying being here

The amount of extracurriculars, groups, and school events is enough to keep anyone busy. I love the balance I have between schoolwork and fun time. I have made so many great friends from my time here already.

Am learning a lot

The professors at this university really push you to your academic limits and help you to be the best student you can be. If you ask for help or extra tutoring, the professors are more than willing to set aside time for you.

Anonymous

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

When applying or coming to St. Thomas remember it's required you take 3 courses of Theology and 2 courses of Philosophy. Also, when choosing your classes make sure you are choosing classes that will fit with your major or minor, do not take classes that you do not need to or have to (you are paying about 3,000 each for these courses). Be sure to participate and be active in high school, a lot of colleges and university look to see you are involved!

Bang for the buck

Although they have great admissions counselors and financial aid officers to assist you from beginning to end, you can still wind up paying a lot of money out of pocket or through student loans. I think it's priced a little high, but if you come in with scholarships, grants, and a good package, this school will not be a problem. If you don't there are still ways you can afford to come to St. Thomas.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy being here for the classes and the people I meet in those classes and on campus. It's busy and easy to keep active on campus. They have all sorts of clubs and organizations, weekend activities, daily events, and resources. If you can't find something on campus take the bus to the Minneapolis campus which is downtown and go shopping at Target or Macy's.

Am learning a lot

St. Thomas has opened the door of learning for me as a student. I have noticed the things I did not care to learn about before in previous years, I am researching and wanting to learn about now. The Professors at St. Thomas make learning fun, easy, challenging, and more.

Molly from St. Paul, MN

02/01/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

St. Thomas is great for students who want to see both familiar and new faces around campus. The athletic programs are top-notch, and there are clubs and organizations for almost every interest. Students who want both a campus community and the opportunities of a big city will do well at UST.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved on campus in order to meet new people and try new activities, but make time to just hang out with friends and explore the area too. Use the Box Office to get discounted tickets to pro sports games, movies and concerts. Finally, keep your dorm room door open as much as possible in order to meet new people.

Bang for the buck

Scholarships and financial aid packages help make St. Thomas affordable. The amount I've learned from my classes and the preparation I've been given for my future career greatly outweigh any cost issues.

Am enjoying being here

I love St. Thomas, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. The Twin Cities location is great, the UST community is friendly, and the opportunities for internships and research are almost endless.

Am learning a lot

As a graduating senior, I know St. Thomas has prepared me well for life after college. I've taken classes in a variety of fields, and I'm always impressed with how helpful my professors can be. My classes have been more than just educational; they're interesting and exciting too.

freshman at UST

12/21/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

UST is wonderful for anyone who is looking for a medium sized school. The classes are fairly small, but the school is still big enough so that students won't know everyone. The campus is not too big and it is beautiful. If students desire to meet friends who will support them, UST is a great place. People really act like a community to each other. There is always support and students will always see familiar faces around them.

Tips for prospective students

Students should make sure to get involved in extracurriculars right away. It helps with the adjustment to college life. Everyone is going through the same thing. The more activities students do, the more connected they will feel. It eventually will feel like a second home. Students should just put themselves out there. They'd be surprised how easy it is to make friends. In classes, students should ask questions, get help from professors, and speak with other students about their work. The more students do, the more they will get out of it. Students should make sure to stay healthy though and get rest amongst their activities and work. None of it will be worth it if students can't function properly.

Bang for the buck

It is an expensive school, but what college isn't? It is challenging, interesting, and fun. Students learn so much from professors, make new friends, and have wonderful opportunities.

Am enjoying being here

By getting involved in activities it's impossible not to meet good people. College is the place to make life long friends. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Students shouldn't be shy. They should take a chance and have fun. There is always something to do on campus. It is easy to create a balance of fun and work throughout the college experience. Students should find a club or activity that has a purpose they are passionate about. Students will find people there who share their same ideals.

Am learning a lot

All the professors make the classes interesting. They are funny and very helpful. The professors also encourage students to ask questions and go to them for help. Students should make sure to apply themselves. If students make an effort they will find everything interesting. I learned so many things that I did not know before just from spending a semester at St. Thomas. It is all challenging, but extremely worth it.

Work hard your last semester of high school. Just because you have been accepted doesn't mean you should be done in high school, plus it will make for an easier transition into college. Research schools and go on tours. Come to an overnight here; they are a blast and completely free.

Bang for the buck

The University of St. Thomas is an expensive school, but they strive to make it affordable to their students. After getting accepted, they will send you a letter telling you how much of a scholarship they will give to you. There is no need to fill out another form. There are many opportunities to get free stuff, including t-shirts, Snuggies, and free or reduced tickets for shows and concerts.

Am enjoying being here

I thoroughly enjoy spending my time at UST. I am from out of state and have very few opportunities to go home, but St. Thomas has become my second home. There are many places to go both on and off campus.

Am learning a lot

I cannot even describe how much I have learned at UST. The professors are fantastic and present the material in a way that invites you to think in a new way.

Amanda from Onamia, MN

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

St. Thomas is a good fit for any student that likes getting personal attention from their professors in small classes, and those who would like to get a small school experience, even though they are in a big city.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit!! Apply for scholarships and get involved when you get here.

Bang for the buck

St. Thomas may appear to be very expensive from the sticker price, but there are many scholarships available through the school. Also, by going to sporting events and other activities, you can get free UST gear (mittens at a swim meet, a hat at a hockey game...) by just attending.

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely love St. Thomas. Not only does this school provide a great education, but there are always other activities going on as well. With all of the sports, clubs and other activities, I have the option to get involved in as many activities as I want.

Am learning a lot

All of the classes that I have taken have been positive experiences. The professors are very personable, and accessible as well. The professors that I've had have given us contact information and reminded us often to contact them if we had any questions, at any time.

Anonymous

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

St. Thomas is a great school for students who are willing to be outgoing and meet tons of new people. When you're at this school it's hard not to meet people and make connections that can last a life time.

Tips for prospective students

I would advise high school students still making college decisions to start early and make a list of what you want and try your hardest not to compromise on anything you put on your list. Also if you know you want to go to a private college Minnesota Private College Week is a great chance for you to experience all the private colleges in Minnesota you wish to see in a short period of time. For students who just arn't sure check out both types of schools and make sure you tour a lot it's one of the greatest ways to get a feel for the campus.

Bang for the buck

I think the sticker price on a St. Thomas education shocks a lot of people and really turns them off to considering this school as a possibility for their post secondary education. Let me be one of the many people to tell you how worth it the money actually is. I know many friends who attend large public schools where their Calculus classes may have 100-200 people in them; my Calculus class had under 20 people in it and gave us great opportunity for individual attention and time to work on the problems that were struggling with versus having to run through lessons to finish the syllabus by the end of the semester. I also think it's great that the money we invest into this school goes to pay for tutors for all students in every subject here at St. Thomas, it's a great resource that I have used for many classes. The money is also providing students with 'extra perks' you wouldn't find at a public school such as free shuttles to downtown Minneapolis or $10 dinners at Fogo de Chao.

Am enjoying being here

St. Thomas has been one of the best experiences I have gone through in my life so far. It has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to meet so many new people who I may have never had the chance to meet. The campus is always welcoming whether it's in the fall when everyone is out in the quad playing football and reading on blankets or in the winter when everyone is sitting inside the library around Cafe Bene.

Am learning a lot

My first semester at St. Thomas I took a full course load to start work on my Biology degree for Pre-Med. I took general Biology and Chemistry, which was a ton of work but totally worth it. The amount of information I learned from these classes prepped me for the classes I am currently in spring semester. I also took Calculus my first semester and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I had a great teacher who improved my math skills so much and I made new friends with the tutors in the Math Resource Center. I also took my first foreign language as part of my Core Requirements and it was the funnest class of my week, especially since my teacher was a native of Sevilla, Spain.

Kale from Deerwood, MN

10/12/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

St. Thomas is great for students who like the city feeling, but also want safety. St. Thomas has a community feeling to it that creates a sense of belonging. It's also for people who want a private school but don't want it to be too small.

Tips for prospective students

My main tip would be to visit campuses that you are interested. It's the way I found the college that was right for me. Do research on prospective schools, and keep your grades up in high school.

Bang for the buck

The price tag for St. Thomas is quite hefty, but it's definitely worth the money. From the helpfulness of the professors, the numerous activities going on every day, and all the other opportunities presented to the students here, the money put in goes to a great education and a great experience! St Thomas is bursting with opportunities. You won't be disappointed!

Am enjoying being here

For one thing, St. Thomas does an excellent job of matching you with a roommate. My roommate and I are pretty much best friends. Getting along with your roommate is a huge part of the college experience because you do have to share a room with him/her for a year. At St.Thomas there is plenty of stuff to do. There is a new rec center that has an amazing weight room, basketball court, tennis court, and indoor track. There are also many activities put on by the various clubs and organizations at the school. There is anything from movie nights and picnics to create-your-own t-shirt opportunities and giveaways.

Am learning a lot

The professors at St. Thomas do everything they can to help the students achieve their goals. They constantly remind us that they want us to come to them for help whenever we need it. Besides that, the professors here know their stuff! They make class entertaining and enjoyable. There are over 50 majors to choose from. Once you declare a major you are assigned to a personal adviser associated with the major. These advisers help you in every way possible. They help you choose your classes, select extracurricular activities, and decide what you want to do with your life.

Student 311

very strict. crack down on any misconduct in dorms. check-in hours. leaving campus if not sophomore year, junior year for sure. follow by the rules and you will be fine.

Greek Life

no greek life. two clubs that associate themselves with university of minnesota - twin cities fraternities and sororities.

Clubs and Activities

hundreds of clubs and activities. campus involvement is not a problem if thats what you want.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

bar scene every thursday and saturday night at local st. paul bars including tiff's, plum's, and o'garas.these locations are almost exclusively st. thomas students on these particular nights. a scene that can't be missed.

Bang for the buck

while on the spendy side of tuitions, st. thomas provides a comfortable and positive environment for students to thrive. the new additions to the school have really taken it to the next level.

What to do for fun

many campus activities. a new athletic facility. bowling in the student center. a game center with every game console including wii, xbox 360, and ps3.

Food and Dining

a new student center equipped with sit-down dining, a buffet style cafeteria, a smoothie venue and another grill, the food and dining seen at st. thomas is top of the line.

Dorm Life

divided by gender, all dorms on campus are of good quality. however, they are small and of older condition. loses another star for public safety's strictness.

Academic Rigor

with the right amount of studying, classes are not difficult here. go to class and pay attention.

Tips for prospective students

a high gpa will get you good scholarships here, but apply anyway, they are generous here.

In three sentences

the university of st. thomas is a highly respected private college with a beautiful campus. new state-of-the-art facilities makes you bat an eye. classes are of average difficulty which makes sense with a very high acceptance rate.

Jessica from Coon Rapids, MN

09/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

It is super safe-don't let the big city scare you! It's in a super safe part of Saint Paul, and if you don't want to walk alone during night or day, there are buttons located around campus that will call cops to walk with you. A super safe environment!

Clubs and Activities

Dozens of clubs to join! From Swing Dancing to Academic clubs; it would be hard to not find a club you want to get involved in!!

Great for these types of students

Social, or students who want to make friends! Everyone here is SUPER friendly. It would be hard to NOT make friends! Also, if you are looking to major in business. St. Thomas is known for it's amazing business college.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Tommie Tuesday! Wear purple and get free stuff! Also, marching under the famous Arches, which makes you a true Tommie! Finally, if you get kissed on the Arches, it is good luck!

What to do for fun

There is so much to do here! Countless clubs to join, so many activities going on, gyms to work out, football games to cheer on fellow Tommies! Also, a free shuttle coming every 20 minutes if you feel like going to downtown Minneapolis!

Food and Dining

The food here is amazing. Also, there is so much to choose from! There's a buffet, a home style kind of cafe, coffee shops, convenient stores, and so much more! It is so tasty, it will be hard to stay away.

Dorm Life

The Dorm life is fun and exciting! The dorms, especially JP2, are bigger than dorms I've seen anywhere else! Some ever come with their own bathrooms. I feel that they do a really good job pairing you up with roommates that you really connect with! Dorm life here is a very good time!

Academic Rigor

The Academics here are tough but worth it. St. Thomas is well known for having hard core curriculum-but in the long run potential jobs will be impressed with a degree from St. Thomas!

Tips for prospective students

My tip would be to come out and check out the campus! Take a tour, meet some students, attend a game!! College should be the best time of your life, and with St. Thomas it could be!

In three sentences

St. Thomas is a beautiful school with a very wide variety of students. It is filled with wonderful teachers and students, with a bunch of fun activities and clubs. Everyone should check out this school!

Celena from San Jacinto, CA

12/16/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Although quite a bit of students are in ROTC or the seminary I would say that anyone would love being here. There are tons of different people: there are students from all over the U.S., and over 10 different countries. On top of this we are in a great location, we are 20 minutes from the LaSalle Plaza in Minneapolis and an hour from the Mall of America. Like I said, anyone would love it here.

Tips for prospective students

Be active. The first couple of weeks is when you will find some great people, it is during this time that everyone else is willing to meet you. Try to join as many clubs as you can, this is another way to meet other people. Go to the sporting events, not only is the atmosphere great, you get free stuff.

Bang for the buck

The professors are great and the community is very supportive of us. Like I already said, as long as you are willing to work you will get the grades you want.

Am enjoying being here

Although I have had a terrible roommate this semester I have met a lot of great new friends that are helping me make it through the stress of that. Its true that you will find life friends in college, just be yourself and you can have great experiences. I used to be pretty shy, but now I go talk to random people in the caf, that's how I met some of my friends.

Am learning a lot

As long as you are willing to try in all your classes you will definitely learn something. Just go in open minded and believe it or not your professors want you to succeed. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that silly saying is true, the only stupid question is the one that you don't ask.

Anonymous

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

-People who want access to a big city but don't really want to live right in the middle of a downtown area -People who are undecided as to what they want to major in- I was undecided my freshman year and all the general courses UST requires for a liberal arts education actually helped me make my decision

Tips for prospective students

1. Visit campus- I wasn't so sure about St. Thomas until I came to visit. That's when I really fell in love with the school. It really helps you get a feel for the atmosphere around campus and what day to day life is like! 2. Plan an overnight visit or have lunch with a current student or professor. It helps you get a real experience of the campus

Bang for the buck

UST is expensive, and that can definitely seem like a drawback. Luckily St. Thomas gives a lot of financial aid and scholarships and really works with students to help them afford college. I'm glad I didn't give up on my dream school because of money. There are definitely ways to make college affordable.

Am enjoying being here

I love that St. Thomas is in a residential area, but only 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. There is always something to do on the weekends if you just want to get off campus and go explore!

Am learning a lot

The professors are so personable! They always make time for you after class if you have a question or just want to continue a discussion on an interesting topic! Not all of my classes have been that interesting to me but I can tell my professors are really passionate about the subjects.

Anonymous

UST is perfect for students seeking a medium-sized, Catholic school in a big city environment. Our St. Paul campus is in a residential area, but the Twin Cities are very accessible.

Tips for prospective students

Research all of your colleges carefully. If possible, visit each campus and ask lots of questions. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions!

Bang for the buck

A St. Thomas education creates numerous opportunities, making the cost well worth it. From the small class sizes, to the welcoming community, to all of the free on and off campus activities, St. Thomas ensures you reap the full benefits of the cost of tuition.

Am enjoying being here

The Twin Cities are the perfect setting for a college. UST is minutes away from downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis. There are always new places to explore. So far, I have had a fantastic college experience.

Am learning a lot

The classes here are small, so it is easy to connect with the other students and the professors. Class options are also wonderful. The possibilities seem endless!

Anonymous

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

I'd recommend coming on an overnight and seeing for yourself whether St. Thomas is the fit for you :) Oh, and check out all of the amazing off-campus activities available to you through the free inter-campus bus to Minneapolis.

Bang for the buck

My only complaint is with the showers; in my dorm, the showers share plumbing with the sinks in the bathroom, so when someone turns on a sink, the shower gets really hot. I've been here for almost a year now, and that's the only thing I've had any problems with, so that alone is a testament to how worth the cost St. Thomas is.

Am enjoying being here

St. Thomas is great; you get the feeling of a close-knit, small-town college campus, yet you're only a few miles from St. Paul and all sorts of city activities. Between activities, homework, and going places with my friends, the time just seems to fly by.

Am learning a lot

In high school, there always seems to be a teacher that no one likes. I have honestly never had that at St. Thomas. I've loved all of my professors so far, and the small classes make it easier to get their help on whatever I might be struggling with. I've even kept in touch with some after the classes ended. The faculty is honestly amazing

Joshua from Saint Paul, MN

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Motivated students will do well here. If you don't care about college and you're just going because your parents say you should, don't waste your time at UST. Also, students who like to have a lot of fun and get involved on campus and in the community will have an awesome time here.

Tips for prospective students

Stay overnight! It's a blast. Eat in the Grill and in Scooters, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone here is very open to answering you honestly.

Bang for the buck

It costs a lot, but it is worth it. Finincial aid is huge, I'm paying for school 100% on my own, so I coldn't be at a private school like this without a bunhc of financial aid and scholarships. The payoff is what matters though, and I feel like my St. Thomas education will put me a step ahead after I graduate.

Am enjoying being here

I LOVE being here! The people are amazing, everyone is so genuinely happy to be here and want to get the most out of their experience. St. Thomas is such a positive place to be at.

Am learning a lot

Some classes are ones you'd expect everywhere, but then there are some that have absolutely blown my mind. I feel like I've grown so much more as a person through what I've learned here.

Anonymous

02/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

-Students who are outgoing and looking for a close, friendly community -Students who don't want to be just a number, but don't want to know everyone in their class' -Students who are looking to get involved on campus -Students who want to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities the Twin Cities have to offer.

Tips for prospective students

I would definitely suggest meeting with an Admissions counselor on your first visit. They really helped me to better understand what St Thomas was all about and they got me off on the right foot when it was time to apply.

Bang for the buck

St Thomas has so much to offer. From the great community of the campus to the amazing opportunities that come with graduation. It definitely worth the money to be a UST Alumni I am proud to say that I chose the right place, and found ways to make it even more affordable.

Am enjoying being here

I absolutly love St Thomas! If I was going to pick the two things that drew me here and are keeping me here it is the community that is felt on campus and the amazing St. Paul location. Walking around campus I feel right at home, it is just big enough to make you feel like your at a very important place, but small enough that you know you will build relationships with many of your classmates and most of your professors. St Thomas in nestled along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota, but with the 15 minute (FREE) bus ride to Minneapolis, you really are at the heart of the Mid-West.

Am learning a lot

In my first semester at UST I completed 4 coursed that are required to graduate. I had never taken Theology or Philosophy courses before, but they turned out to be pretty interesting and I definitely learned a lot about my self and my interests. I really enjoyed the opportunity to explore new areas and be pushed to dig deeper into the texts.

It is kind of expensive, but I feel that it is worth it. All of my professors know my name and are always offering help. I feel that this makes the price worth it.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy being here and there are a lot of opportunities being in the Twin Cities. It is a little different and took some adjustment coming from a small town and a public school to a private school in the big city.

Am learning a lot

The classes are tough, but well worth it. I feel that I am receiving a quality education.

Anonymous

Public Safety is often patrolling and there are alarm buttons every so often in case you have an emergency.

Greek Life

Non-existant

Clubs and Activities

Lots of clubs and you are able to start a club if you'd like.

Great for these types of students

Catholic students, business people, for some reason jocks (St Thomas' football team is excellent in its division)

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There's tunnels that lead through about 4 buildings.

Bang for the buck

Though it's expensive, MOST people here are on some scholarship that makes it much more reasonable and therefore worth it.

What to do for fun

Walk down to the river, go play frisbee or football or something in the quad, go to activities put on by the university every Thursday and Saturday.

Food and Dining

The new student center brought some great new food options but the cafeteria food is not that great and the hours of dining services are bad. On the plus side, walking distance to Davanni's pizza which is great!

Dorm Life

Depends on your dorm but some can get pretty involved and put on lots of activities.

Academic Rigor

It's really up to how much you want to put into it. Some majors are simply easier than others here.

Tips for prospective students

Join some clubs, look for all the opportunities available since there are a lot.

In three sentences

It's a bit of a commuter campus, but you can still find cool people that stay on campus for weekends. The class sizes are small and that makes it more personal. Very near the city yet far enough out that you don't have the big city feel of the U of M or Madison or other such colleges.

St. Thomas Student

09/23/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Public safety is very present. They even offer to walk or drive you anywhere on campus or up to 6 block off of campus. The neighborhood surrounding is relatively safe, but being in the city there are still some issues. Common sense is a must, don't go out alone at night, etc.

Greek Life

One business fraternity, but it is more of a club based on networking, volunteering and of course an interest in business.

Clubs and Activities

Quite a few clubs available, with varying degrees of commitment.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

To be a true Tommie, one must kiss another Tommie under the iconic arches at midnight. The Harry Potter room on the 3rd floor of the library is the favorite study spot of many students.

Bang for the buck

St. Thomas is expensive, but this is not to say that you do not get what you pay for. Professors are nearly always available for direct one on one help, there are free tutors for nearly every subject. State of the art facilities, lots of free meals and give aways as well as the prestige of the St. Thomas community, which has strong networking.

What to do for fun

Football games can be a big deal around here. For a DIII school, sports, especially football and basketball, are a big deal. A LOT of the student population goes to the bar, at least 3 nights a week.

Food and Dining

The new cafeteria is on point, always a lot of options. There are ways to be healthy and of course ways to pig out.

Dorm Life

People tend to stick to themselves, you must make a genuine effort.

Academic Rigor

St. Thomas challenges you but is always there to help. With a mandatory liberal arts education, it can be rigors dealing with classes like philosophy and also something as contrasting as chemistry.

Tips for prospective students

Forget the fancy landscaping and million dollar buildings, make sure you pay attention to the people around you.

In three sentences

Many come to St. Thomas to stay close to the comforts of home while still enjoying new scenery close to the city. St. Thomas has a relatively large population of students, but still maintains the best characteristics of both a small school and a large school. It is common for students to come in with cliques, it is similar to high school in that it is all about who you know.

Mathew from Osage, MN

Join a few clubs or sports at the beginning of the year, they really add to the college schedule in general.

Bang for the buck

St. Thomas is small enough that each professor really is able to take the time to know you, which really enhances the experience! Residence in a couple of the halls is a little more expensive then it really needs to be, but classes are defiantly worth the price.

Am enjoying being here

Being honest, I am not a city person. St. Thomas though is great in its location though, it is part of the residential section of St. Paul, so it is nice and quiet, and doesn't have a lot of traffic. It is a walk to get any groceries that are not sold in the C-Store on Campus, but that's the only negative.

Am learning a lot

The classes are fascinating here, there is always something new to learn in all of the classes, which is great!

Kirsten from Plover, WI

08/22/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

It may not be a Big Ten school, but there's something for everyone. Get involved early to meet new people and be willing to meet them. Living in the dorms is a great way to meet different types of people, so be willing and keep your door open!

Bang for the buck

Hard to say as a sophomore, but so far so good.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful! And the area is great. Everyone is friendly and willing to help. Like I said before, I love the class sizes and the professors are always willing to help.

Am learning a lot

I love the class sizes. They are all small enough for the students to feel that they are getting the attention they need from their professors.

Matt from Champlin, MN

08/28/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Comments

Great for these types of students

Want a medium sized campus. Want smaller class sizes. Want a school with high prestige. Want a school with free bussing to the city. Want a school with many sports opportunities. Want a school where you can make a difference. Want a school with a church on campus. Want a school with history. Like the colors purple and silver.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved early! You will meet great people and be much happier. Being involved with different groups also looks good on resumes. You're paying to have the opportunities to join different programs so you should take advantage of it! Shop around for books! You can often find books for a lot cheaper when you don't buy them from the school bookstore. (amazon, ebay, craigslist, sometimes you can even rent them from libraries) Go to class! I know it sounds simple, but with the new freedom of college it is tempting to skip out on class. Don't do it! It's a waste of your money and you will miss out on important information that is needed to stay on top of your school work. Don't always eat at the main cafeteria on north campus! The Binz is a great place to eat, and you may want to take the shuttle bus down to the Minneapolis campus once in a while and grab a bite at Food for Thought. Definitely a nice treat. Study at the library. It is way easier to focus and they have free cookies, milk, and juice once in a while. Put yourself out there! Everyone is going through the same transitions so don't sweat it. Be friendly to everyone, get involved, and have FUN!

Bang for the buck

There is no denying it, the University of St. Thomas is a very expensive school. However, it is very rare that any student would pay full price. St. Thomas offers very generous 4-year academic scholarships to incoming freshman. They also have a great financial aid staff, a donation call center, lots of student jobs, and numerous other scholarship opportunities that can make the school a lot more affordable. If you really break it down, St. Thomas has a fairly high bang for the buck. The campus is growing with new buildings such as the beautiful Anderson Athletic & Recreation Center, which opened last year, and the massive new Anderson Student Center, which is expected to open January 2012. The professors are excellent, and the many different opportunities and programs that are included in the price of tuition are practically endless. St. Thomas is also viewed with very high prestige, and having a degree from here will definitely be an advantage in your future job search. That is why I give the school a 4 out of 5 stars in its bang for the buck.

Am enjoying being here

I am definitely enjoying being at St. Thomas. It is a great sized campus. It is small enough where you won't get lost in the crowd. You have opportunities to get involved and really make a difference in the things you see around you. You will get to know many faces and build personal relationships with both students and staff. Having that said, it is also big enough to offer opportunities you might find at larger schools. We have study abroad programs, many different varsity and intramural sports, sporting rivalries, internships and other real life work connections, graduate programs, and free bussing between local campuses. Overall the size, people, and opprtunities at St. Thomas make it very enjoyable.

Am learning a lot

At St. Thomas you will learn a lot both inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom the smaller classroom sizes ensure that you won't get lost in the crowd and it is easy to build relationships with your professors. Students also have many places to go if they need help with their school work. Some options are the Tutor Centers, STEM Learning Communities, or visiting a professor during his/her office hours. Outside the classroom there are always different programs and events you can get involved in. These can broaden not only your academic knowledge, but improve your social, ethical, and leadership knowledge as well.

Rachel from Shoreview, MN

01/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

30 of 73

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

There are many public safety (or campus cops) that are always walking around campus. In the night, they will drive you anywhere within 6 blocks of campus! There are also emergency phones located on campus.

Greek Life

Only a few options for frats and sororities.

Clubs and Activities

Lots of various clubs and activities! If you can't find something you like, you can create your own club!

Great for these types of students

Students that are easily distracted during class by texting or online social media networks will be forced to pay attention because of the small class sizes!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are tunnels underground that connect many of the buildings on campus together! This is nice in the winter because you don't have to go outside as much!

Bang for the buck

You really do pay to get the privates school education, but you will need to utilize your resources! Free shirts and even sweatshirts on Homecoming, free admission to sporting events, and lots of discounts on movie tickets and city events (like pro hockey and baseball games)!

What to do for fun

They just built a new student center with a bowling ally, dance stage, and great places to hang out, study, and eat! We are also a bus ride away from great concert venues, sports centers, and shopping areas!

Food and Dining

The food at the main dining hall is mediocre, if you want the good food on campus you have to take a 15 minute walk to the South campus or take a 20 minute bus ride to the Minneapolis campus!

Dorm Life

Dorm life is very enjoyable! Since the campus is reasonably small, everything (like classes and food) is very close to the dorms. They do a good job at pairing you with a roommate who is similar.

Academic Rigor

It can be hard to transition from High School to College, but at St. Thomas, the academic rigor isn't too bad. The professors want you to succeed, and they will help you. You have to do well on papers and tests, because there is no homework to boost your grades.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour (you get a free shirt)! Participate in an overnight, this will really help you decide if you like the atmosphere of life at St. Thomas.

In three sentences

Sometimes in college, the students are just a number, nothing is personal, however, at The University of St. Thomas, this is not the case. Everyone is friendly and helpful. The classes are challenging but not too challenging.

Garrett from St. Paul, MN

little. there is one nationally affiliated fraternity, and a couple nationally unaffiliated sororities/fraternities.

Bang for the buck

the cost for st. thomas is a little steep for what you get, but the local recognition and alumni network make up the difference. moreover, as time progresses st. thomas is improving what it offers in the way of campus life; so, the bang for the buck will improve.

What to do for fun

other than have access to all a metropolitan area can provide, st. thomas has a newly constructed student center. this building has a bowling ally, game room (xbox, playstation, wii, pool tables, ping pong, fuze ball etc), and a dance hall. moreover, st. thomas hosts a state-of-the-art athletic complex, and various campus organizations are constantly hosting events.

Food and Dining

there are no nationally recognized eateries since st. thomas is a private institution, but the campus ran restaurants and cafeteria serve quality products.

Academic Rigor

the academic rigor is likely to get more difficult as st. thomas pushes forward with it agenda to be more nationally competitive.

Tips for prospective students

st. thomas is a great campus for students looking at attending a smaller campus, but desire to have access the city (minneapolis-st. paul, mn). the school isn't difficult to get into.

In three sentences

st. thomas has an accredited business program, and is constantly looking for ways to be more competitive nationally in academics and recognition. furthermore, st. thomas has a dedicated alumni network committed to assisting st. thomas students in there endeavors.

the anderson student center was just built and opened this january. there was a lot of money put into and it sure shows. there is a game room, bookstore, gas station like store, restaurant, bowling alley (2 lanes), dance area, and many other attractions that will catch one's eye.

Bang for the buck

i agree with this statement 100% because ust is a lot of money if you don't have any scholarships or grants but you are truly getting the education and experience you are paying for. i met three girls that will be my life-long friends and created networks beyond networks that will only benefit my future.

What to do for fun

be involved in an intramural sport, a club, or just hang out with your friends around campus. enjoy the dorm life and take advantage of every free event. football games are a blast and there are various attractions around campus that make for a great weekend adventure!

Food and Dining

food is everything you expected and more. there is a cafe, called the view, that has everything you can think of, a restaurant, various coffee shops and pit stop, along with another cafe, called the binz, that has the most amazing sandwiches ever.

Dorm Life

dorm life is a blast and you get to meet a lot of new people! living the dorm life is something i truly believe every person should experience once in their lifetime.

Academic Rigor

this may be an expensive school but you will get the education you pay for.

Tips for prospective students

live on campus for at least one year and embrace every moment of it. take advantage of all events and became actively involved at ust. i promise you will not regret it.

In three sentences

ust is a very diverse and prestigous school that goes above and beyond the norms of education. every professor has so much to give and every student has a lot to learn. it is a university that allows a student to be find out where they truly want to be in the world and then help them excel at it.

Gretchen from Annandale, MN

the arches are famous for couples. if you kiss underneath the arches, that is the person you will marry.

Bang for the buck

since it is a well-respected college, the cost of st. thomas will be worth it after graduation. they also help out financially.

What to do for fun

visit downtown st. paul, bars/restaurants near campus, rollerblade and run along the mississippi river, close trips to moa

Food and Dining

the new student center has excellent food as well as the binz, minneapolis campus, and the on-campus restaurants.

Dorm Life

there is a sense of community within the dorms and it is really easy to make friends. there are also many building activities.

Academic Rigor

professors strive to help you succeed and actually care about your success. it can be a lot of work, but it is not hard to get good grades.

Tips for prospective students

apply for outside scholarships and get involved in campus activities.

In three sentences

st. thomas provides a great education and is a reknowned school in the midwest, but especially minnesota. it is in a beautiful location which is conveniently located in the twin cities. the size of the campus and the number of students is perfect; not too many, not too few.

Ryan from Sioux Falls, SD

05/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

40 of 73

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

The campus is extremely safe. Anybody feels comfortable walking through campus at any time of the day. There are buttons located all around campus that one can press if in danger. After pressed, public safety is supposed to arrive within 30 seconds or so, but I have never heard of anyone needing to use one.

Greek Life

There is one frat that not many know about. This reduces the involvement of students in charities and such, but there is still plenty of fun to be had.

Clubs and Activities

I am on the varsity club crew team, so I have quite a bit of experience in this area. The club sports teams are fantastic. The other clubs and organizations that promote student involvement on campus are quite shy. Not many people are involved in these types of clubs.

Great for these types of students

St. Thomas is great for people with high intellectual capability, an openness to meet new people, and have creativity and energy to find fun things to do.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Being on the river is fantastic. There are lots of overhangs that people hang out on. Sometimes, people even have bonfires on the beaches.

Bang for the buck

St. Thomas is incredibly expensive, but I give it 3 stars, because they hand out a lot of scholarships. Many people I know go to school there for half of the price. This is still quite expensive though.

What to do for fun

Being in the twin cities creates a great opportunity for entertainment. They have all of the entertainment possibilities of huge metropolises such as New York City and Chicago. There are concerts, museums, and many restaurants.

Food and Dining

St. Thomas just got a brand new student union with fantastic food. There are 3 restaurants and a coffee shop. The general cafeteria has a stir fry line, which is my favorite.

Dorm Life

Dorm life can be pretty uneventful. Public safety is very strict, so people usually keep social gatherings on the down low to keep from getting in trouble. There are some dorm events, but they are scarcely attended by many.

Academic Rigor

I consider myself quite intelligent and always feel challenged. I do not know of any people who pass classes while skipping them regularly. Professors almost always introduce large projects to keep the students constantly active in the class materials.

Tips for prospective students

Do an overnight visit to see if you like the social atmosphere. St. Thomas is more laid back and less hectic compared to most colleges.

In three sentences

The University of St. Thomas is a great university. All students are intellectually stimulated and professors care greatly about their students. Lastly, the people that attend the university are compassionate and level-headed.

Ashley from Burnsville, MN

So many clubs and activities on campus. Your tuition goes towards all sorts of fun stuff.

Bang for the buck

St. Thomas is expensive, but because of being enrolled here has it's benefits, like automatic consideration for several internships around the cities.

What to do for fun

The campus has lots to offer for fun, located in the Twin Cities, it's just outside of all sorts of fun down town activities, and on campus there is the student center which hosts all sorts of activities for students, and there is a bowling alley.

Food and Dining

The new student center is absolutely amazing. The food is awesome, and everything is buffet style.

Dorm Life

The dorms are all relatively nice, and they are a fun environment because often there are floor events.

Academic Rigor

St. Thomas' classes can be difficult, but that's what makes them worth the money you are paying.

Tips for prospective students

One tip for prospective students is to apply early, even though they have rolling admission.

In three sentences

St. Thomas has a beautiful campus. The school is just small enough for comfort but just big enough so that you meet new people everyday. Overall, St. Thomas is a great school to go to because of it's assume community.

Sara from Iowa

For being in a very busy city you will always feel safe at the University of St. Thomas. Public Safety vehicles are always driving around and we have help buttons to press in case you every need help.

Greek Life

We only have a male fraternity at the University of St. Thomas but the other clubs and activities keep you busy enough that we really aren't missing out by not having more of a greek community.

Clubs and Activities

If you are interested in becoming a member of a club St. Thomas has many options. We have anything from Rock Climbing Club to History Club. Also we have a bunch of fun intramural activities that anyone can participate in.

Great for these types of students

The University of St. Thomas is a great school for business majors and we also have a great chemistry program. There isn't much that UST can not provide.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One fun school function is the Tommie vs Johnnie football game. We play our biggest rivals, St. Johns, and everyone dresses in our Tommie pride and we cheer on our team.

Bang for the buck

The University of St. Thomas is very expensive but definitely worth the money. The education that I am receiving is top notch and they really work to make sure you end up with a job after graduation.

What to do for fun

There is always something going on around campus. Whether is be a concert, dance, bingo night, oxygen bar, free massage, talent show, dance recital, sporting event you will never get bored. Yet, if you do, you can take the free Minneapolis shuttle bus and go explore downtown or stay on campus and take a walk by the river.

Food and Dining

Our new cafeteria makes better food then my parents. The stir fry bar is the bomb! It is very convenient to be able to grab any meal without having to do any preparation.

Dorm Life

Dorm life was very fun during the weeks but a large percentage of people would go home on the weekends. You will meet a lot of fun people and you are instantly inserted into a floor of people that become your family.

Academic Rigor

The classes at the University of St. Thomas require a lot of hard work and excellent study habits. The professors want you to succeed but also expect you to be the person in charge of your success. Do not expect an easy A from any courses.

Tips for prospective students

My advice would be to get out of your comfort zone and be open to all sorts of different opportunities and situations. Don't feel forced to stick to your intended major there are so many possibilities. Explore and find what you love to do.

In three sentences

The University of St. Thomas is a great place to make new friends, get a great education, and to find the career that suits you. The counselors are remarkable and help you to make your dreams possible. I would not give up my experience at UST for anything.

Renae from Woodbury, MN

Very small Greek presence. Gamma Sig is the main sorority, but Sigma Chi (national Catholic fraternity) has a pretty significant membership. Lambda Sigma Tau is there, but pretty small in numbers.

Clubs and Activities

Great intramural programs, outstanding baseball & football programs.

Great for these types of students

Hard workers, social & friendly.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Kissing under the arches at midnight is a tradition to mean you're a true Tommy.

Bang for the buck

VERY expensive, but the name is very highly regarded in the Twin Cities and most of the upper midwest. If you're planning to stay in MN, then you'll get a lot of recognition in interviews for having a UST diploma. If you're planning to spread your wings and move away, then go somewhere with nationwide name recognition.

What to do for fun

You're in the middle of Mpls & St Paul, which means you've got unlimited nightlife and culture at hand. This is an unbelievably diverse metro area, with everything from art to theater to professional sports within 10 minutes of campus. You're never stuck on campus, because there's a large set of public transportation options.

Food and Dining

Eat at the Binz Refectory if you get tired of the Caf, as it's a great change of pace. The new Anderson student center is unbelievable, a huge improvement over the eating choices before now.

Dorm Life

Morrison Hall is a great apartment setting for upperclassmen, but for first-year, you need to evaluate what you want. Grace Hall is quiet, but close-knit, as is Cretin Hall. Dowling/Brady Halls are the center of freshman/sophomore social life. JPII is a little quieter, and Ireland Hall is a great historic legacy hall with a more well-rounded populace. The Ireland guys seem to remain friends for life.

Academic Rigor

It's hard, but top-level students can excel at UST. Do your reading before class and you'll get a lot more out of each lecture. Don't try to play catch-up right before the tests, as it won't work.

Tips for prospective students

Remember that a liberal arts education means you'll be taking many classes outside your major. Theology, Philosophy, various social studies, math, English, foreign languages, and fine arts all have requirements at UST. Also, it's expensive, so be sure of what you're getting into, and remember that taking generals at a community college doesn't always apply, because schools like UST have very specific general requirements. Your credits will transfer, but likely only as elective credits.

In three sentences

As an alumna, I have very fond memories of UST, and I'm so glad I went here. I lived on-campus all 4 years, but many people live in nearby apartments/houses. Hard classes, but not impossible. As a liberal arts school, graduates are well-rounded as a result of taking classes in many diverse subject areas.

SW

Residential feel to the campus. Public safety does a great job of keeping all students safe.

Greek Life

None directly affiliated with the university.

Clubs and Activities

Over 140! If there isn't one you want to join, start your own! It's simple and as soon as your club/organization is accepted you get St. Thomas funding for it!

Great for these types of students

Students looking for a challenge academically, also those looking to get a small school feel on a big school campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Arches...in order to be a true Tommie you must be kissed under them at midnight. Super cute.

Bang for the buck

Worth every penny, especially because no student pays the sticker price. Be sure to check out financial aid. St. Thomas offers great scholarships!

What to do for fun

You're in the Twin Cities! Stay on campus to check out what STAR has to offer or just go exploring! Tons of great things to do on and off campus.

Food and Dining

New cafeteria = amazing food. Don't forget to check out the dessert bar!

Dorm Life

Lots of great options and good communities in the dorms. Do a residence hall admissions event to get a good feel for all of them!

Academic Rigor

You're expected to perform to a certain standard at St. Thomas. No worries though, they have free academic tutoring for every department as well as required office hours for professors.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit! We have great staff and students to welcome you here. Apply early to get better financial aid. Talk to someone from admissions or financial aid if you have questions. Enjoy yourself!

In three sentences

St. Thomas is a gorgeous school in a friendly neighborhood. The classes are engaging and worth every second. Its location is perfect for finding great things to do, opportunities to volunteer, and internship/job opportunities as well.

Danielle from Plymouth, MN

Campus Safety is enforced tremendously with buttons stationed around campus that you can push for help and public safety officers patrolling around the clock.

Greek Life

There is no greek life.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities offered at St. Thomas and you can also start a club if there are enough students who would like to join.

Great for these types of students

Strong academically, social, open to new ideas, and excited for the college experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A tradition at the University of St. Thomas is to be a true Tommy you have to be kissed under the arches at midnight. This is a fun and cute tradition that many people know of.

Bang for the buck

Although St. Thomas is a private school and more expensive than the average public school, there are many things accessible to the students who go here. These things include a free workout gym, free swimming, and many others.

What to do for fun

There are many fun activities at St. Thomas which include: Game Room, Bowling, The Quad (a grassy outdoor area in the middle of the north campus dorms where people play frisbee, toss a ball, etc), Activities Organized by St. Thomas (competitions for prizes), Clubs, Volunteer Work, Discounted Tickets to Sporting Events, And Many More

Food and Dining

The dining experience at St. Thomas is well above average. With the opening of the new Anderson Student Center, the cafeteria food has improved exponentially. There are currently six different lines in the cafeteria where you can get an assortment of diverse meals. There are also many restaurants on campus where different types of food are available.

Dorm Life

The dorm life at St. Thomas is, in my opinion, above average. There are many different options of dorms depending on the size, location, and social aspect you are looking for. You meet many new people while living in the dorms and it is an experience I would recommend.

Academic Rigor

I would say academic rigor varies at University of St. Thomas. Like any college, there are going to be easier teachers and more difficult teachers. As long as you manage your time and study for each of your individual classes you should succeed.

Tips for prospective students

I would encourage prospective students to visit the school before you apply. This helps students gain knowledge of the university that they will be attending. Studying and paying attention during class are two very important habits that I would recommend to students as well. Many students believe it is enough to study outside of class and often lack the attention they should be using during class. A student needs to study AND pay attention to succeed. Finally, I would encourage students to make as many friends possible and do not exclude students who are different from you. Some of the best friends I have made here at St. Thomas could not be any more different than myself.

In three sentences

The University of St. Thomas is a superb school that brings together students and faculty into a close knit community. The typical classroom and campus setting is friendly and open to many unique individuals. St. Thomas is the perfect combination of strong academics and a wonderful learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their best.

Stayed on south campus my freshman year, its a smaller community with their own traditions.

Bang for the buck

As expensive as St. Thomas is, you get state of the art buildings, smaller class sizes, and a ton of free resources and other things.

What to do for fun

The recreation center is amazing!

Food and Dining

The new student center has great food options.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is really fun, but as at other schools expensive.

Academic Rigor

Certain majors are obviously harder than others, as a science major there is definitely a lot of work.

Tips for prospective students

Be open to just about everything.

In three sentences

St. Thomas is a really beautiful campus, its big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to have a personal experience. The classes are based on giving you a well-rounded education and the size allows you to personally connect with professors. The atmosphere is fun and friendly.

Mikayla from St. Paul, MN

They are always there for you, just a call away. Very polite, very nice, very understanding.

Greek Life

None

Clubs and Activities

Most activities and clubs are free. Many have different activities every week or so, and there are so many clubs to get involved in!

Great for these types of students

Great for MN students who know people on campus. Close to the University of MN if you enjoy parties without wanting a party school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Fanamaniac rewards students for going to different sporting events.

Bang for the buck

Classes are a little too expensive, especially the ones outside of your major that are required for graduation.

What to do for fun

Check out for STAR activities! There is always a Friday unwind with a movie or dancing. Tommies After Dark, TAD, always has something on Saturday.

Food and Dining

Opportunities every day to create your own hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Wonderful food cooked right before your eyes and many world cuisine options.

Dorm Life

Large rooms with en suite bathrooms. Great water pressure, pretty good cable, phone service, and wifi. Wireless printing available in dorms as well. Wonderful!

Academic Rigor

Many courses are either easy, or give you 2+ days to work on homework. A lot is online.

Tips for prospective students

Get out and join at least three clubs you are interested in, but do not over-extend yourself! Each club requires at least 1-2 hours of volunteering per semester, and many require up to 14+. Many clubs also meet at the same time (during convo hour), so be careful!

In three sentences

There are many opportunities for clubs to get out and meet people. The classes are well-planned in older buildings, however, some do not have windows and feel more like jail cells than anything. It has great wifi connection all over campus.

Bennett from Ham Lake, MN

There are panic buttons across campus. Public safety can respond within minutes to an emergency signal.

Greek Life

I am not familiar with the Greek Life of St. Thomas, but I believe there are some clubs.

Clubs and Activities

Though there is not a club for everything, most people can find an extracurricular that suits them. I prefer to hang out with my friends.

Great for these types of students

If you are contemplating the priesthood St. Thomas should suit your needs. Business majors be wary, the program is overrated considering what you pay. Engineering is a good program but will take 5 years if you aren't a great planner. Aside from those specialties I think you can do better elsewhere.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Within the first week of campus, first-year students march through a pair of arches on the south edge of the north campus. It is super awkward to walk between rows of cheering strangers, but there is a lunch afterwards :).

Bang for the buck

I believe it depends the course. My multivariable calculus and physics courses were rigorous yet the teachers were helpful. On the other hand, my german and engineering design courses were pathetically easy. If you can transfer in basic courses, you'll save yourself the heartache of wasting your money.

What to do for fun

Every Saturday my friends and I play Settlers of Catan where players build a settlement and beat out the competition. St. Thomas offers great weekend activities, such as live concerts, field trips, dances and more. I went to laser tag one weekend and a poetry slam another.

Food and Dining

The food is top-notch and various. The View, the school cafeteria, offers gluten free options and accommodations are probably available for other dietary needs. Don't get a large meal plan; at an average $8.00 a meal you should look for other options for most of your food. Meal plans are mandatory for students living on campus.

Dorm Life

Make sure to keep your door open when people are around and stop in at the rooms of your neighbors to get acquainted with them. There are activities most weeks, such as watching movies, game tournaments and whatever your dorm-mates and you plan out.

Academic Rigor

Of course as an engineering or physics major it will be tough, but otherwise the course material is hit or miss in terms of rigor. At roughly $4,500 per course you should be demanding more. You will receive financial aid, yet the value of the course remains $4,500. The other reviewers see the situation different and I understand their reasoning. I am opposed to paying for a class, no matter the discount, that claims to have more academic substance than it does.

Tips for prospective students

You receive personal attention from your professors and whatever else you expect from a private college. It is up to you whether $44,000 a year is worth these things or if you would rather spend your money elsewhere. I find the engineering program to be good, but I can't say you are getting a better education than a public school would offer.

In three sentences

The gym, cafeteria and dorm life are top notch, while the academics are average at best considering the price tag. The faculty and other resources are helpful and available. You may expect Ivy League-like academics you end up with pretty buildings and nice people.

Allison

Study study study. As soon as school starts you will be hit hard with work so make sure you keep up with all of it and study A LOT.

In three sentences

I think the University of Saint Thomas is a wonderful school. Everyone I've met there has been great and same with most of the professors. It is so expensive so I'm hoping to get a good amount of scholarships so that I am able to continue to go there and receive my degree from there.

Saharla from Woodbury, MN

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Comments

Great for these types of students

Open-minded, somewhat outgoing, and motivated to succeed.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The arches. Apparently you aren't a true tommie unless you're kissed under them at midnight...

What to do for fun

Seems like there are many options on campus but also great places close by like Grand Ave. The MOA isn't too far either and St. Thomas is close to many other colleges like Macalester, St. Kates, U of M, etc.

In three sentences

Absolutely gorgeous campus and very friendly community. Everyone seems highly motivated and happy. St. Thomas is definitely my top choice for next year.

the academics is pretty rigorous but not to the point you cant have a social life. You get what you put in.

Tips for prospective students

If you like a place where you can get individual attention and a good learning environment it a good choice. The campus is pretty diverse also.

In three sentences

I would rate the University of St. Thomas high, as a disabled combat veteran they have accommodated me when ever I needed any help with navigating each new semester challenges. The class rooms are small and the professors take time to help you if you need any. If like the idea of being able to know the department faculty n which your major field of study then this is the place for you.

Current Sophomore

06/05/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

55 of 73

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

It may be annoying at times, but there are many rules to ensure the safety of the students on campus. Public Safety is everywhere at all times. You can contact them at anytime for a walk back to your room/house or if you are in danger at any time. They are always there for you if you need help. There are also emergency stations located throughout campus.

Greek Life

There is one fraternity recognized by the school. There is also a business fraternity that has both men and women.

Clubs and Activities

There is such a wide variety of clubs and activities offered. You can join an intramural team or join a club such as Relay for Life or the Business Club. If nothing interests you, grab a few friends and start your own club. There's opportunity for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Any type of student will succeed here. We have great athletics as well as great programs for any major.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The seminarians are crazy (in a good way). This past year when we got a new pope, they ran around campus all week screaming, chanting, singing, dressing up, and getting on the news. To become a true Tommie, run through the fountain or kiss under the arches. Join in on the fun!

Bang for the buck

UST is very expensive but don't let that scare you away. There are many scholarships as well as financial aid available. When employers see that you are a Tommie, they will want to hire you. UST has a great reputation and is worth every penny. You will get a great education.

What to do for fun

There are many things to do on campus. The brand new fitness center has a cardio room, weight room, a pool, open gym, and offers classes. There is a bowling alley in the basement of the student center as well as a game room on the main floor. STAR has many things for students during the week including bingo, games, laser tag, movies, dances, etc. On nice days, take a break and enjoy the sunshine in the quad playing frisbee, football, soccer, etc. The Mississippi River is literally a 5 minute walk from campus. There is a (free) shuttle that runs from the St. Paul campus to Minneapolis campus everyday but Sunday. Go downtown to Target, Nicollet Mall, Target Field, Target Center, First Ave., etc. You can also take a cheap bus ride to Grand Ave., Uptown, Highland Village, etc. There's also a rent a (free) bike from the library program if you'd rather get some exercise. The University of Minnesota is a short $10 cab ride, as well. You can always find something to do on and off campus.

None of the dorms are co-ed. There are a few on campus apartments for upperclassmen that are, though. The rooms are small but spacious enough to fit all of your things. For example, I came in with 7 suitcases of just clothes and all of my things fit fine. If you're worried about your roommate because you don't know him or her, it will be okay. If it doesn't work out, you can switch rooms/roommates. Resident Life will help you.

Academic Rigor

Some professors are very difficult and will push you. At the time, it may seem that you're not learning anything until you get to another class and realize everything they taught you to succeed. The majority of professors are willing to help you. All you have to do is ask; don't be afraid. They want you to succeed. Being a private school, you are required to take theology. It will infuriate you at times but you'll learn about yourself by taking these courses.

Tips for prospective students

If you're thinking about attending UST, take a tour. You may think you know the school well, but once you get on campus and see everything it has to offer, you'll be glad you took one. You're first semester will be tough academically and socially. Get involved in extracurriculars that interest you whether it be an intramural team or club. It's where you'll meet some of your best friends. Everyone is going through the same thing. Don't be afraid to branch out and take risks.

In three sentences

The University of St. Thomas is great for students looking for a school that is not as big as a state school but not as small as a community college. It's situated in the middle of a tight-knit, St. Paul community just minutes from both downtown St. Paul. and Minneapolis. From the extracurriculars to amazing facilities, UST is school where any type of student can succeed.

Cortney from Norwood Young America, MN

07/24/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is awesome. Public safety will walk you where ever you need to go. They have a number, an email, a twitter account, they have it all. They are very friendly and are constantly on campus. Their office is right on campus in case you need to reach someone there, it is perfect and I always felt perfectly safe there.

Greek Life

There is not really a greek life. There is one frat/sorority. It is a business club and they seem to have a lot of fun.

Clubs and Activities

THere are many many clubs at UST. Anything that someone could imagine there is a club for. And if there isn't, it does not take much to get a good club started.

Great for these types of students

It's great for students who like being in a neighborhood area. It's in St. Paul, but it is not really in the city. Good for students who are from minnesota not looking to get that far away from their parents. It is good for students who take their academics seriously. No one wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars to go to school and get an education they are not motivated to get or could care less about how much it costs.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are not a whole lot.

Bang for the buck

I guess for many services UST offers and how prestigious employers view it, I would say it is worth every penny.

What to do for fun

There is plenty to do for fun as it is in St. Paul. Tons of nice restaurants and new places to go to. There is a beautiful river to bike, run, or rollerblade or just take a little walk by. Real close to Minneapolis so there is no shortage of stuff to do there.

Food and Dining

The food has made a major upgrade. I love the new student center and the new cafeteria. The different foods they offer each day and the different food bars they offer each week are incredible. I love going there knowing that I am going to get quality food. The only thing is that it is a little expensive. Bringing friends there that do not go to UST is tough because they are not going to want to pay 9 dollars to eat dinner. Even though there is a ton of food that is available, it just seems a little steep.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is....dorm life. The rooms are a tiny bit bigger than a lot of colleges that I looked at, but it is still just a dorm room. The best thing to do is make the best of it. Depending on where you live, dorm life is a bit different. I personally did not mind it THAT much where as some people totally hated every second of it.

Academic Rigor

The professors are absolutely amazing. Each one is willing to take time to meet with you before class, after class, during their office hours, or whenever works for you. They teach quality classes and are not afraid to be who they are as people. The variety of classes offered is also awesome. You can take any class you can imagine and feel great about it since you are being taught by such outstanding professors. Many professors have Ph. D's or have written books or been apart of research. It makes you feel good as a student to know that your professors actually know what they are talking about.

Tips for prospective students

Put yourself out there. Do not be afraid of what other people will think because you will find people that are like you. Take full advantage of all of the services UST provides. Tutors, meetings with professors, the career development center. Never be afraid to ask for help because it really will pay off.

In three sentences

The campus is absolutely beautiful. The off-campus housing options are pretty nice for a college. Everyone comes from all over the United States and it's fun to get to know people.

Lauren from River Falls, WI

07/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I've never felt unsafe walking through campus at night. The school is in St. Paul but it certainly isn't a sketchy area. Campus police are always patrolling around, even in residence halls. Additionally, building security is high. Only people who live on campus have access to dorms, and visitors must be checked in.

Greek Life

Non-existent.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for anyone and everyone. They have activity fairs in each semester to familiarize students with the organizations available on campus. I've had a lot of fun in the clubs that I've participated in.

Great for these types of students

I would say UST is great for students who want to achieve a lot, and be exposed to many different viewpoints. St. Thomas is particularly good for business students. I would also recommend the school to anyone looking to strengthen their faith or someone who is Catholic, because the school does emphasize this.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

St. Thomas has several traditions. One of them is to become a True Tommie, which involves kissing someone under the arches at midnight. I have yet to do this! They also have a teeter-totter marathon every spring to raise money for charity. My friends will go play on the teeter-totter for an hour at 2 in the morning! There's also a snow-ball fight between two of the boys' dorms after the first big snowstorm. For Halloween, my favorite holiday, they create a very detailed haunted house in the basement of a dorm on south campus. It's so creepy and fun! There's also a dorm on campus that holds a Halloween dance every year. It's nice to be a part of a community with such strong traditions.

Bang for the buck

Although St. Thomas is expensive, I believe I am getting my money's worth for this education. Being part of the network of Tommies is definitely an advantage, and I've had the opportunity to be involved in many interesting opportunities because of my St. Thomas connection. Additionally, the business school, where I study, is high-quality. I know I am being prepared for the real world.

What to do for fun

St. Thomas is very good about providing different activities on the weekends, especially if you don't really like going out. I have been in plenty of clubs that have practices and events on the weekends, and residence life is very good at putting on events, many of them with free food. Most of the events aren't very well-attended, but some of them give away really awesome prizes. There's also a Mystery Bus every semester that takes students to a secret location; you don't know where you're going until you get off the bus! This spring we went to a water park. Ticket Services also offers discounts for area attractions; I got a $5 ticket to see a performance of Les Miserables. Additionally, there are communal televisions and game areas, as well as bowling and a game room in the student center. A lot of my friends like to take advantage of those spots. I am always in the racquetball courts or playing sand volleyball. There are also beautiful walking trails around the area that I take full advantage of. Lastly, the area has many restaurants, shops, and a few movie theaters, so it's easy to go off-campus and have a good time.

Food and Dining

Honestly, the food is about average. They recently opened a new student center with a new cafeteria, which is definitely a step up from where they were a few years ago, but although they have many more choices, there aren't many options for fruits and vegetables. They do cater very well, however, to students with food allergies, such as a gluten intolerance. The cafeteria on south campus is much smaller and has better quality food, but no one wants to trek all the way down there for a quick lunch. Overall, nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain too much about. However, keep in mind the meals are expensive- I believe lunch is more than $8, and dinner is even more. The meal plans are costly but you get the convenience of not having to cook, and honestly some of my favorite memories are the times I get to spend with friends over a meal.

Dorm Life

If you've visited a lot of college campuses, most dorms are about the same. St. Thomas' dorms, for the most part, are pretty nice. There is only one kind of icky dorm on campus (boys' dorm Ireland) and of course, the older dorms for the most part do not have air conditioning. However, there are many options for on-campus housing and when you become an upper-classman and have the option for the on-campus apartments, they are fabulous. I have lived in this type of housing for two years now and it is wonderful. Of course, it is more expensive to live on-campus but there are many benefits to living at St. Thomas. You meet so many people and are connected to many campus events through your residence hall.

Academic Rigor

I've had some very challenging classes at St. Thomas and professors who expect you to take responsibility for your own learning. St. Thomas has a very good reputation in the area and there is a reason why. The curriculum truly challenges you and makes you more well-rounded. In fact, many of the concepts that I learned freshman year are things I've been able to apply to classes and real-life situations. It is worth it to go to class when you're learning such valuable things. Additionally, the professors truly care about you.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to visit the campus to get a feel for the area, and stay over night if you can. I cannot recommend overnight visits enough. You will really be able to picture yourself on campus and see if it is the right fit for you. Additionally, be aware of the costs; this school is great, but it definitely is one of the more expensive schools in the area. They offer financial aid that will bring the price down, but most of my friends have many student loans. St. Thomas does have a bit of a reputation as a rich kids' school, so if that is off-putting to you at all, then I would reconsider St. Thomas. However, that is one of my few complaints about the school itself.

In three sentences

A beautiful campus in a great neighborhood, in one of the best areas in the Midwest! Known for its business school and a strong network of alumni within the area. Small class sizes with great professors and a variety of classes make the academic experience unbeatable.

Jessica from Coon Rapids, MN

08/07/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

BLUE SAFETY BUTTONS EVERYWHERE YOU CAN ALWAYS SEE TWO IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE AND ON CAMPUS UNLESS YOU ARE HIDING. Also, campus security will escort you anywhere on campus or off for 6 blocks for free at any time of day. If it's cold, they'll even give you a ride. :) You can also register your bike so if it gets stolen then you can get it back easier.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

You are not a true Tommie until you kiss someone under the arches at midnight. All freshmen march through the arches before their first day of classes. One day during the week after move-in day, a bus full of St. Thomas students goes on a Target run after normal store hours for anything that was forgotten at home. Every year Ireland Hall hosts a teeter totter marathon that lasts 48 hours. More at the following website: http://www.stthomas.edu/news/category/community/tommie-traditions/

What to do for fun

The student center, which aside from having almost all the food and sitting areas also has bowling and dancing in the basement, is open until 9pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. The O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library is open most days until 2am, There are more clubs and sports than I can count. And, if getting off campus is a must, there are various buses that run between the St. Paul private colleges as well as all around the Twin Cities metro area. You can do anything in the Twin Cities Metro area. Google it. Now. Go on Google maps, click directions, start at St. Thomas University on Summit Avenue, and set your destination to anything you want to do.

Food and Dining

The dining services are the least exciting thing about St. Thomas. There are two cafeterias that you can use your meal plan in, and they both have very strict schedules for what you can get and when you can get it. There is also many smaller places to eat in the student center that uses flex dollars to purchase food and are only open during the day and close at night, which in not study-munchie friendly. They do, however have a small grocer in the student center that takes flex dollars and is not too overpriced that can help you stock up on anything from frozen pizzas to candy to milk, which does significantly help. Also, all dorm buildings have a kitchen area which includes a stove and all dorms allow a fridge and microwave, so students do not have to leave their building to make food. As for taste, all the food I've tasted so far has been delicious at all dining areas that I've visited

Dorm Life

St. Thomas offers a large variety of dorms that vary in size, shape, capacity, and even bathroom needs. Also, in each dorm there are floors for specific interactive and special living such as freshman experience so you can enjoy your dorm life to the fullest. The only grade restrictions as far as housing goes is that freshman can not live in on-campus apartments, so your floor and neighbors will be at all grades. They are very good at having freshmen room together, but you can request to live with an upperclassman if you would like. RA's are super friendly and very willing to help solve any problem you may run into.

Academic Rigor

I have not taken any classes yet, but they are not too difficult if you study, I hear.

Tips for prospective students

Study and get a job. And don't forget the fish! -from an incoming freshman

In three sentences

St. Thomas is a great school for people who want a medium sized school with small classes and who don't mind the price. The classes are moderately difficult, but the teachers are friendly and will do their best to help you if you ask them. The only downfall is that I can't get pancakes at midnight unless I make them myself, which can be done in my own dorm building.

Michelle

09/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

You will always find public safety officers patrolling the campus, especially at night. It never feels dangerous here, but there are emergency buttons set up and a UST alert system set up. Almost all building require a student id to get in.

Greek Life

There is no Greek Life to be found on campus! I feel it is refreshing to not have a party scene on campus, however, there are business fraternity style clubs. These are a great way to build connections!

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities, it would be impossible to list them all. I will tell you about some of my favorites! I love the Foreign Affairs club. They are involved with Model Union and have a great reputation for truly representing their country. There is a swing-dancing club and a diversity club too! These are great for meeting fun and outgoing students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Arches. Ask any St Thomas student about this tradition and a smile will spread across their face. Legend is, that if you kiss under the arches at midnight you will marry them!

Bang for the buck

The friends I've made at Saint Thomas have all been very serious about their studies. This school attracts studious students and has a very active campus. There is almost always some sort of event going on during the weekend, my personal favorite has been the movie on the football field!

What to do for fun

Clubs are a great way to get involved. The University offers a great variety of clubs. From the Republican Club to the Scuba diving club, the choices are vast and endless. There's a place for beach volleyball, a pool to swim laps in, a beautiful hidden waterfall near campus, and a city bus stop to the cities. You can go adventure around downtown St.Paul or Minneapolis. There's plenty of big name and indie concerts to go to. The University also has a great program called STAR, that gives out discounted tickets and free trips. I went to a roller coaster park for only five dollars earlier this year. I would recommend taking advantage of the kitchens in the basement and starting a midnight breakfast club with your friends! Gather some friends up at midnight and whip up some pancakes or eggs. There are countless ways to find fun.

Food and Dining

There are two delicious cafeterias, one restaurant, two convenience style stores, coffee shops, and a smoothie-ice cream stop! Nutritious food can be found all over campus, you will never go hungry at Saint Thomas. Everything is fresh and healthy, The University offers vegetarian options, gluten-free options, and even vanilla or chocolate soy milk! There are so many wonderful choices.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is a must-have for freshmen year! Each dorm has it's own vibe. You will be able to find everything from outgoing, lively dorms, to studious, quieter dorms.

Academic Rigor

Saint Thomas has a wonderful reputation and a strong base of alumni working around the twin cities. Alumni LOVE to hire Tommies, this will come in handy in the upcoming years. Classes are challenging, yet manageable. Stress is an unavoidable factor in college, but the professors here are wonderful at providing help and tutoring opportunities.

Tips for prospective students

I would get involved with Tommie Ambassadors. It is a opportunity to get to know fellow students and build leadership skills. As a Tommie Ambassador, you represent the school, host prospect freshmen during orientation, and give tours. The Library here is full of helpful people and an endless supply of computer- check it out. It also stays open till 2 am! How awesome is that. Take a tour of the residence dorms during the school year. The students are wonderful and welcoming. They can give you a lot of advice for the upcoming year.

In three sentences

The University of Saint Thomas transforms you as a student and individual. The professors, students, faculty, and campus give off an irresistible and ebullient vibe. This school pumps out fabulous, involved, polished workers.

Haley from Saint Paul, MN

The public safety around campus is always available and loves to help in any situation at any time.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

TOMMIE TUESDAYS! Everyone wears purple on Tuesdays it is very fun!

Bang for the buck

You get an amazing experience and education for a decent amount of money. They are generous with financial aid which is great.

What to do for fun

There are always fun activities going on around campus or in your dorm! They show movies on campus, have a game room, a bowling alley, and around the holidays, resident life comes up with awesome festive activities!

Food and Dining

The food is delicious, especially the deli sandwiches at the Binz!

Dorm Life

The dorms are very clean and well kept, and the Resident Advisors are so caring!

Tips for prospective students

Definitely take advantage of all the free services on campus. The writing center is very helpful and the gym is awesome! It's even better that they are free.

In three sentences

I would give the University of St. Thomas an A-; I love the small campus and the small student: professor ratio. The services they offer us as students is incredible and the staff is always so helpful. Some of the students are not very welcoming, but that is the only complaint I can think of!

The Doctor's Companion

Over 140 clubs, two activities fairs (one fall, one spring) to showcase each club and include students in new opportunities each semester.

Great for these types of students

Business Majors

What to do for fun

UST has St Thomas Activities & Recreation (STAR) that holds events weekly (ie singers every Thursday). Most events on campus can get boring/repetitive and you lose interest in them.

Food and Dining

Food in the cafeteria gets old pretty quickly, then again that can be said for any school. Several different stations of food, worldly cuisine, your call (stir fry, omelettes, sizzling salad, etc) , pizza/pasta, hot line that changes, custom sandwich line, salad line.

Dorm Life

Life in the dorms are okay. However some dorms consist of mostly freshmen who are still in their high school attitude about everything. Life in upperclassmen dorms are much better, yet still not worth the cost of it. Honestly most students try to move off campus after their first year and find it to be better than on campus life.

Academic Rigor

Courses are tough, but worth it. Some classes required for majors are easy (ie public speaking). Class size it around 25-30 students with smaller classes having around 15-20. Lots of tutors and learning communities to help students excel in their classes.

Tips for prospective students

- UST is a great business school, you will meet a lot of business majors - While it is a costly school, they do award you with a lot of scholarships - If you visit the school, try to see ALL the dorms, most schools tour the nicest dorms only - UST has overnight visits where (accepted) seniors can have an experience of a day in the life of a UST student - UST also has dinner with a tommie where you can enjoy a meal and ask a student any question pertaining to the school

In three sentences

While diversity is somewhat lacking, there is a strong community with those diverse students. Academic rigor is strong and well worth the cost of the school. This is a suitcase school with quite boring on campus weekend life.

Shawn from Cottonwood, MN

02/17/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There is always a game of ultimate frisbee going on in the quad and people are very welcoming. Down the street, there is also the Mississippi River for those who like quiet or just need to get away from all the noise.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is buffet style. It reminds me a lot like eating out. The cafeteria here has a salad bar, a pizza bar, a burger bar, world eats, and your choice. A lot of the food is greasy, but I do enjoy the salad bar.

Dorm Life

The people here in the dorms are amazing! I have made so many friends and everybody keeps their doors open, so if you ever need anything, there's always somebody on your floor that you are able to go to talk to. The fraternity and the brotherhood of the guys in the dorm is wonderful.

Academic Rigor

The classes here are difficult, but one will learn so much; both life lessons and also knowledge about their specific area of study. They definitely will have an edge over other students from other schools when they enter their careers and apply for a job.

Tips for prospective students

A few tips for prospective students are to really expect to work hard because the school is an academic school and the studies are difficult, but someone who studies here will learn so much. Another tip I can give is to just make as many friends as possible because the friends one makes here will become life-long friends and one will go very far in his life by making good friends.

In three sentences

The University is a great place to study. The people here on campus are very welcoming! There is so much history and tradition at the University of St. Thomas.

M.S. from St. Paul, MN

Check out the Mississippi River area. If you're 21+, the mainstays of O'Gara's on Saturdays and the Wild Onion on Tuesdays are great.

Food and Dining

There are tons of options! Binz has great homemade food, and Scooters and T's are perfect for when you're on the run.

Dorm Life

I absolutely hated the dorm I lived in. It was old, didn't have air conditioning, and there wasn't much for organized activities (I also had a bad RA though).

Academic Rigor

St. Thomas is the most underrated private colleges in Minnesota. The professors push you beyond your personal expectations. Be prepared for a homework- and writing-intensive, but rewarding academic experience.

Tips for prospective students

Live off campus as early as possible--it's cheaper and a better way to get into the area's social life.

In three sentences

My experience at St. Thomas marked the greatest transitional period of my life. I found my academic passion and developed incredible relationships with professors. At the end of the day, UST has great potential but ends up being whatever you make it.

Emily from Roberts, WI

05/19/2014

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Clubs and Activities

There were a lot of clubs to join.

Great for these types of students

Wealthy catholic students.

Bang for the buck

this school is too much money for the average student. It puts most people in crazy debt which is not worth it if you are not going to be making six digits out of college. Also the students are of a different sorts, many came from rich families and were not very nice.

What to do for fun

It is in a cute part of St. Paul and is a great area for walking. There is some cute stores and a pizza place in walking distance. They also put on dance shows and fun nights.

Food and Dining

For college dorm food they cafeteria was great especially after the new student center went up.

Dorm Life

There was a lot of cattiness in the dorms. I think it was because the girls were uppity and from rich families but I found the dorm experience bad, girls were rude and catty. The RA's were nice and there were a lot of dorm options for incoming students.

Academic Rigor

I enjoyed my classes a lot and the teachers were great. They offered a lot of different interesting classes and majors. The academics are one of the best things about this school.

Tips for prospective students

If you have a lot of money saved up and parents who can help you pay for this school then it will be good for you. But I was naive and thought I could pay for it when I could not. I do not think coming out of college with $100,000 thousand dollars in debt is worth it.

In three sentences

The University of St. Thomas had some great teachers and interesting classes but the overall atmosphere of the college was bad. They tell you religion is not shoved down your throat and it was. I also found if you are not from a rich family then you will not fit in. I had to work two jobs and did not have time to have fun and still could not afford the school with two jobs and many grants and loans.

Hally from MN

07/11/2014

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

I love the food and the dining hall.

Dorm Life

I don't know if I want to live in a dorm with one other person or with three other people. The public showers/bathrooms do not sound very appealing to me. Is that something you get over or is living in the quads a better option?

Academic Rigor

I've toured St. Thomas twice and both times my guides have pointed out how much the professors care about their students education.

Meranda from Chanhassen, MN

12/09/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

The food at St. Thomas is great! There is always a wide variety of food options including two dining halls, one restaurant with bar like food, a convenient store, and many other smaller quick stop places. The food here can get repetitive some times, but is almost like gourmet style food. It is always great and you can not go wrong with wherever you decide to go for dinner!

Dorm Life

I love living in the dorms. There is a wide variety of housing options for freshmen so you can find exactly what you want. I live in Dowling Hall. This is an all girls dorm with primarily double rooms, but also contains some singles. Dowling hall is the only traditional female dorm (community bathrooms that you share with the floor- the rest of the dorms you share a bathroom with 2-3 people). Although some people do not like the community bathrooms, they do not bother me. They are cleaned everyday by a professional cleaning staff, and I never have a problem getting a sink or shower when I need one. There is also wifi in all of the dorms as well as cable TV and HD channels! (over 100 channels total!) The dorms act as a second family when you are away from home. The people on my floor get together and do crafts and activities and just hang out and enjoy the college life together. One of my favorite dorm activities is Sunday night football in Ireland Hall. About 10-15 people get together every Sunday night and watch the prime time football game while eating pizza and enjoying each others company! It is always a nice time to relax with friends before the next week of classes starts.

Academic Rigor

The classes at the UST are what you make it. There is a wide variety of class options so you can take the classes that you want to take. The professors are all very helpful and do whatever they can to help you succeed. Most of the professors also have a Doctrine in their field of study or the highest possible degree in their field, so you know you are learning from the best. Most are also doing research in their field and are looking to current students for help, so you can get a hands on experience in an area you are looking at. St. Thomas also offers free tutors in also every course, that are available to help you when you need it. When it comes to class, college is a very different experience than high school, but if you do your assigned reads and assignments and pay attention in class, you will be very successful at the University of St. Thomas!

Emily from Big Lake, MN

Get involved with clubs or intramural sports. There are fun events on campus every night such as singers or crafts.

Food and Dining

I think the food is really good and there are a wide variety of options at the View. The food is expensive so take advantage of your freshmen meal plan while you can.

Dorm Life

I had a wonderful time my freshmen year living in Dowling. I am still living on campus in Flynn. It is rather expensive, but it is very convenient to live on campus especially since I go to the gym a lot.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are more challenging than others, but it is not impossible to get As. Some classes are a joke and they seem like a waste of money, but it depends on the professor. Ask around and see what professors are recommended.

Tips for prospective students

It is an expensive school so be prepared to take out large loans. Get involved in at least one club on campus, because it is a great way to make friends. There are many leadership opportunities that you should take advantage of as well. Take advantage of the career development center as well!

In three sentences

Beautiful school with a great sense of community. It is the perfect medium size school where class sizes are small and professors know your name. There are many excellent professors that will keep you engaged in class.

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